Fay's Six

Walker: We think it’s the same guy and yes, follow. Thanks.

Now to text Albert back.

Walker: Lee’s supposed to follow Pete. Let me know if he doesn’t leave. Keep an eye on Chris.

Albert: One other thing. Randall Beal made an appearance. He’s with Pete.

Fuck.

Fay made her way across the crime scene. “What’s going on?”

“Randall Beal is in town.”

He pulled up Lee’s contact information and hit the call button. “Pick up the phone,” he mumbled.

“What’s up?” Lee answered in a hushed tone. The sounds of the slot machines rang out in the background.

“Is Pete with someone?”

“Yeah, but no idea who he is. They are cashing out.”

“If they separate, you stick with him, not Pete. Got it?” Walker said. “Keep me updated.”

“I’m on it.” He tapped the screen and stuffed the phone in his pocket. He raked a hand through his hair.

“Where do you think he was all day?” Fay asked.

“Probably getting laid.” Walker planted his hands on his hips. “He’s not taking this seriously and that’s not like Lee. Something’s wrong.”

“I’m sorry. This is the kind of flack I’ve been dealing with when it came to him, though he was quiet about it. He didn’t do what Anton did and file anything formal.”

“I don’t doubt Lee said some stupid shit and belittled you every chance he got. But he always got the job done. And he didn’t lie.” Walker had some issues adjusting to civilian life and he should have seen this before. Perhaps Lee was just struggling with a lifestyle change.

“I might buy the concept he wouldn’t lie, but he’s been doing just that all day.”

“I’m going to confront him on that tonight, but I don’t need him to be super combative or there is no way in hell he’ll open up.”

“Why don’t you join him on his stakeout. Bring him dinner. I can drop you off. I’ll go back to your place and do some research.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll get him to drop his location.” Walker needed Lee to get his head in the game or get the fuck out. It was that simple.

* * *

Walker climbedinto the passenger seat of Lee’s rental. He handed him a to-go container with a burger and fries.

“Where’s yours?” Lee asked.

“I already ate.” Walker took the binoculars from the dash and scanned the area from the barn to the Beals’ farmhouse. The lights illuminated the dining room, allowing Walker to view Randall having a meal with his mother. “I spoke to his parole officer. He has permission to visit his mother today, but he wasn’t supposed to be in a casino, much less playing poker.”

“He didn’t actually play. He watched,” Lee said. “And he didn’t look very happy to be there. He was always glancing over his shoulder.”

“You said he came to the casino with Pete?” Walker wanted to give Lee a chance to come clean without having to browbeat him. However, he was going to get the truth if it was the last thing he did.

“I didn’t see them enter together, but that is the assumption since they left in the same vehicle.”

“Did you happen to hear anything of interest?”

“Pete wants out of his partnership with Chris.” Lee flipped open the container and munched on a crispy fry. The smell of grilled meat filled the inside of the car.

Walker should have gotten more food.

“Pete offered to sell everything to Chris, or whoever,” Lee continued. “But both Craig and Chris said no. They said Manny Javi isn’t prepared to let Pete go.”

“Why was Randall there?”

“That I don’t know. I couldn’t get close enough to hear that conversation.”

“You were there all day and they didn’t show up until the afternoon?” Walker gave Lee one last chance to be honest.

“Cut the bullshit and ask me whatever the fuck it is that’s on your mind.” Lee lifted his burger and took a large bite. He stared off at the big house set a good thirty yards from the road. “I hate games.”

“Then why are you playing them? And why are you lying to me?” Walker waited patiently as Lee ate half his burger. Walker had to wonder if he was trying to come up with a cover story or if he was simply stalling. “Talk to me, Lee. This isn’t like you.”

“I had an emergency and it couldn’t wait. I figured it was better to ask for forgiveness than permission.”

“You can’t do that on a stakeout. Or at all when we’re working a case. You know that. I can’t believe you’d do that to me.”

Lee released a full-out laugh. “Are you kidding me? What difference did it make if I was there or not? You have someone watching me anyway. I’m just shocked I was followed.” Lee closed the food tray and tossed it in the back seat. “You’ve changed and I’m sure it’s because you’re fucking that—”